New data shows that good work-from-home cybersecurity habits have never been a more relevant topic than right now, in the 2019 holiday season. 

Some 95% of U.S. knowledge workers want to work remotely, and 74% would be willing to quit a job to do so, according to a new Harris poll of nearly 1,200 U.S. knowledge workers. Most people (53%) get online for work over the holiday break – 30% several times a day, according to a LinkedIn poll. 

Most people get online for work over the holiday break – 30% several times a day,

Here are nine things for you and your staff to keep in mind about working remotely over the next few months:

1. VPN protects you. When working remotely and especially while traveling, you must make sure you are protected when on Wi-Fi networks outside of your work network. Use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection. Download Avast Secureline VPN. 
2. Two-factor auth is a must. Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds a second step when you access a work computer and network by sending a code to your phone or requiring the answer to a security question. 
3. Surf safer. Three-quarters of young workers say they do holiday-related tasks while working. Mean elves (pictured) and scammers are everywhere online this time of year. The Avast Secure Browser is secure, fast, private – and free. Avast AntiTrack gets advertisers off your back and disguises your identity online. 
4. Lock your screen. Working from home during the holidays or while traveling may mean you step away from your computer. Enabling a screensaver with a password and setting your laptop to lock down quickly can protect your computer from accidental or malicious access. 
5. Great time to get Avast’s top-rated antivirus free. Download free virus protection for Windows or Mac. Avast offers modern antivirus for today's complex threats. Fast, simple, and 100% free.
6. Scrutinize work emails. Business email scams – especially phishing – are the biggest cybercrime in the world, according to the FBI. You may need to be even more vigilant about evaluating suspicious emails when away from work. The FBI urges consumers to look closely at email addresses and all parts of a suspicious email. Get more tips from the FBI here.
7. Avoid the original computer crime. Device theft might never be more likely than when you are charging your laptop in an airport or coffee shop. How you carry your devices can have a direct impact on their safety.  
8. A call beats an email chain. If you do have to work, one big conference call huddle with the team can be safer than a few dozen emails sent from many devices and locations. 
9. Laptop protection = stocking stuffer. With travel, party food, and other laptop hazards, screen protectors and keyboard protectors are a great idea this time of year. Keep eyeballs and eggnog out of your work.  
10. Don’t forget mobile. Lots of work gets done on mobile devices during the holidays. Download Avast Mobile Security, free antivirus for Android here. 

Getting ready for remote holiday work can save you anxiety later on. “Working from home or while traveling during the hectic holidays can be very distracting. Doing a little cybersecurity preparation can give you the gift of peace of mind,” said Avast Cybersecurity Evangelist Jasdev Dhaliwal.

Try Avast Secureline VPN for free, and stay protected wherever you are.